Girlpool - Before The World Was Big (Album Review)
Friday, 05 June 2015
Written by Laura Johnson
‘Before The World Was Big’ is the full length debut from Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad, a Los Angeles-born duo shaped by the extraordinarily fertile Philadelphia indie and punk scene. While their youth and relative inexperience - they have put out one self-titled EP prior to this - might lead you to assume that this record will be one of insecurity and obvious attempts to make a mark, nothing could be further from the truth.
Tucker and Tividad are comfortable with their lo-fi sound and embrace it, flaws and all. Their stripped down approach, utilising just bass, guitars and vocals, may seem needlessly minimal and, by extension, monotonous, but ‘Before The World Was Big’ has far too much charm for that to be the case. The title track makes sure of that, showing just how much of a punch these two women are packing.
Cherry Picking is another brilliant example of Girlpool’s endearing DIY attitude. They gradually increase the pace before going, guns blazing, into the 37 second whirlwind of Magnifying Glass. But, the album is no one trick pony. There are occasions where the stark approach is abandoned in favour of full, haunting accompaniments, as on Pretty and Emily.
The connection between Tucker and Tividad is clear. “We were singing to I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” they sing on Dear Nora. “Cleo was tired, Harmony was hyper. We switched driving in the middle of the highway.” Their shared history, combined with interchangeable vocal leads against the backdrop of sweet melodies, is a winning combination.
‘Before The World Was Big’ is littered with coming of age references, themes of friendship and thoughtful observations about their environment. Heading for your early ‘20s and some growing pains? Here’s your soundtrack.
Girlpool Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Sun June 07 2015 - LONDON Dalston Roof Gardens
Fri September 04 2015 - BRISTOL Fleece
Tue September 08 2015 - MANCHESTER Manchester Deaf Institute
Wed September 09 2015 - GLASGOW Broadcast
Thu September 10 2015 - LEEDS Brudenell Games Room
Fri September 11 2015 - BIRMINGHAM Hare and Hounds
Mon September 14 2015 - BRIGHTON Hope
Tue September 15 2015 - LONDON Scala
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